Martin Keown pleads with Mikel Arteta to keep Brazil star

At the Emirates Stadium, former Arsenal defender Martin Keown warned manager Mikel Arteta against selling Brazil forward Gabriel Martinelli, despite the Gunners’ impressive 3‑0 victories over Manchester City in the Community Shield and Coventry City in their opening Premier League match.

Martinelli’s uncertain future

Martinelli was omitted from the matchday squad for both the Community Shield and the Premier League opener, fueling speculation that his seven‑year spell in north London could be ending. His absence sparked rumours that Arsenal are prepared to cash in on the 25‑year‑old.

Last season Martinelli recorded just one goal and four assists as Arsenal secured the Premier League title, though he contributed more in the Champions League and FA Cup. The drop in league productivity has intensified transfer chatter.

Reports suggest Al Hilal of the Saudi Pro League are negotiating a deal worth up to £60 million, after Martinelli rejected a move to Galatasaray. Arsenal have set the price, reflecting the forward’s market value.

Keown said, ‘I think there’s still a place for him… He will know exactly his position at the football club, that’s without a doubt.’ He added that the club cannot let his contract run out without securing a deal.

Martinelli is in the final year of his contract, but Arsenal hold an option to extend it until 2028. Keown warned that business must be done and everyone must accept the reality.

In Martinelli’s absence, summer signing Christos Tzolis has thrived on the left flank, delivering three assists in his first two games. Keown praised Tzolis, calling his debut ‘exceptional’ and likening his intelligence to that of Leandro Trossard. A Getty photo captured Tzolis celebrating his assist.

Ian Wright has publicly criticised Arsenal’s handling of Martinelli, while the club continue to hunt for another forward before the deadline, with a record‑breaking Julian Alvarez transfer reportedly on the cards. The pursuit underscores Arsenal’s desire to strengthen the attack despite the Martinelli saga.